August 12, 2019, by Shweta

How to cope with homesickness

A quick note from UoN: The advice in these blogs is meant to be of use to you throughout your entire time with us, whether that be 1 year, 3 years or many more. We recognise that the cohort of 2020 have a particularly dificult and different set of circumstances in which they join us so we ask that, whilst this Advice may help you, that you consider and follow local and national guidelines.

With a little over a month before you begin (or are back at) university, missing home is probably the farthest thing from your mind. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably even raring to go and dreaming of all the adventures you will have in Nottingham. However, homesickness happens to the best of us and trust me when I say, it will hit you like a truck. Here are my top tips to cope with missing home.

1. Bring memorabilia from home. Too often students pack all sorts of things to bring to university and end up leaving behind little knick-knacks for the lack of space. You can always pick up an extra frying pan at Wilko’s but what they won’t stock is your favourite photo of your family from 10 years ago. Remember to bring pictures, posters or any other décor that will remind you of home. It will help make your dorm room feel safer and cosier.

2. Don’t spend too much time in your room. Socialising in your first few weeks can feel extremely daunting and it’s easy to lock yourself in your room (especially if you’ve followed my first tip and made it feel closer to home). However, remember to step outside your comfort zone, try new things and make new friends. You will have more in common with your hall mates than you think, even if it doesn’t seem like it initially. And never forget that everyone is feeling the way that you are so initiating a conversation will always be welcome and comforting for you and your new friend.

3. Keep in touch (but not too much). Make sure you stay in touch with your family and friends from back home. Be it an hour-long face time once a week or sharing memes in your friend group, keeping in touch will keep them close, even if you’re hundreds of miles away. But don’t overdo it. Spending all day pining for people from back home will prevent you from making new friends and will only make you feel worse. Use your family and friends to boost your confidence and allow you to explore your new surroundings and meet new people. The more you do so, the more stories you’ll have to share when you finally go back home for the holidays.

Homesickness will not be a stranger so while it’s best to be prepared for it; don’t worry too much. It’s part of growing up and moving on in life and remember that it’s a transient feeling that will soon pass as you come to see Nottingham as your new home.

Until next time,

Shweta

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